Ambulance service honors 2 volunteers

Pair have served town a combined 72 years

Jacquie Rice and Michael Brenner, veteran members of the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service, are honored at a party put on by their fellow squad members Saturday. Ruth Epstein Republican-American

SALISBURY – First Selectman Curtis G. Rand told Jacquie Rice and Michael Brenner, “Our town is better because of both of you and we thank you.”

He was speaking at a party Saturday at the Town Grove given to honor the pair for their service to the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service, which combined totals 72 years.

The squad’s membership decided in January to recognize them, when Rice, who had been chief of service for 18 years, decided to step down, said member Nancy Bayersdorfer.

The event was a surprise for the guests of honor.

Brenner joined the ambulance in 1977. He has served as chief of service and rescue chief, among a myriad of other volunteer roles. Rice joined two years later and currently serves as first aid chief. Member Bob Fails said Rice is responsible for teaching the EMT course to just about every member who was in attendance at the party.

She is one of just a few women in Lakeville Hose Company and is emergency coordinator for the town.

Rand said he couldn’t imagine two more deserving members of the group than Rice and Brenner. Describing them as providing a “cool and compassionate presence” during what can be very tense times, Rand said they were invaluable during recent storms when power was out for long periods of time. They canvassed neighborhoods to check on residents’ welfare.

Don Mayland, president of the ambulance board of directors, said Salisbury is an incredible town and the squad members incredible people. “And these two are the best of the best,” he said.

Mayland noted the members raise all their own funds.

“Every nickel that comes in they raise on our own,” he said. “The only thing they’re looking for is a thank you. Thank you isn’t enough, but it’s all I have.”

“That’s all I need,” Brenner said.

Kaki Reid, current chief of service, brought up all the current members to be recognized and told how many years of service each has contributed. Giving a brief history, she said the squad was formed in 1970 when a group of business people saw the need for a volunteer ambulance service in town. She noted that the average years of service of members is 12, which is above the national average.

Rep. Roberta B. Willis, a Democrat from the 64th District and Salisbury resident, presented Rice and Brenner with proclamations from the Connecticut General Assembly.

The two were also given paintings by Tracy Hanselman of Millerton, N.Y., that depicted each of them in their gear standing in front of a rescue vehicle. The paintings will hang in the squad room, but they will receive photographs to keep.

Both Brenner and Rice played down their contributions. Brenner said the organization has made everything possible. “Everyone gives up something. Everyone in their own way brings something to the organization and the community.”

Rice paid tribute to some founding members and thanked the squad members for being a big family. “It’s one of the best families to be part of.”

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